What You Should Know About Cracked Windshields & Replacement Windshields On a Leased Car

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By Philip L. Franckel, Esq.

If your car is leased, you may be in for a nasty surprise if you repair or replace your windshield.  Leasing companies will not take back a car with some windshield repairs.  BMW Financial Services will only accept a windshield with a crack that is no more than ¼” and which is located outside of the wiper span.  If you have an unacceptable crack or aftermarket windshield, your leasing company will replace the windshield with the manufacturer's windshield when the car is returned and charge you the full retail replacement cost which could be as much as $800.

The answer seems simple.  Make an insurance claim under your glass coverage and get a "new" replacement windshield.  The problem is that your insurance company and your leasing company have different definitions of what is a new windshield.

Your leasing company will require a dealer windshield which has the manufacturer's name on it or may accept an OEM windshield which is made to the same specifications.  Your insurance company will send you to a company such as Safelite, one of the main aftermarket auto glass manufacturers, which will give you an aftermarket windshield also known as an OEE or Original Equipment Equivalent windshield.

Leasing companies generally do not accept OEE windshields which are less expensive and manufactured to different specifications.  If you return your leased car with an OEE windshield, when you submit your car for inspection, you will probably find yourself paying for another new windshield.

If you are filing a glass claim with your insurance company for new windshield, tell your insurance company that your car is leased and insist that they provide you with a dealer or OEM windshield accepted by your leasing company.  If your insurance company gives you a problem, provide them with a copy of your lease and advise that if they do not give you an acceptable windshield you will file a complaint with the insurance department.
 

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